Ventilator device



- Aug. 4, 1936. o. F. MUELLER 2,049,856

l V 'VENTILTOR DEVICE Filed Aug. 24, 1935 2 .sheets-sheet 1 I Y w. f

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Aug. 4, 1936. o. F. MUELLER 2,049,856

v VENTILATO'R DEVICE Filed Aug. 24, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F1517. Fig- En- Patented Aug. 4, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENTl OFFICE VEN'IILATOR. DEVICE Oscar F. Mueller, St. Louis, Mo.

Application August 24, 1935, Serial No. 37,633 s claims. (cl. eis-43) This invention relates to ventilator devices; and has special reference to ventilators of the type that .are mounted in openings through walls and which include fans operating in a manner to exhaust fumes and vitiated air from the .inside of rooms or buildings.

Objects cf the invention are to provide an improved ventilator including a casing or shell comprising telescoping members which are preferably rectangular in end elevation or in crosssection, and which are designed and adapted to be built in a wall during the construction of the wall, the rectangular formation of the shell or casing facilitating the construction of 'the wall l5 and the telescoping arrangement making'it possible .to extend or reduce the length `of the shell or casing in accordance with the thickness of the wall; to provide an improved louver device for attachment to the outer end of the shell or casing that will substantially prevent rain and other falling substances from entering the casing without substantially interfering with or obstructing the outward iiow of air driven by the fan; to provide an improved support for the fan, and means whereby said support may be conveniently mounted in proper position within the inner'portion of the shell or casing; to provide improved retainers and' holders for the electric wires cord leading to the motor and for the connection for operating the switch controlling the flow of electric current to the motor; to provide improved means for expediting the proper location and placement of the motor and fan support within the shell or casing; to provide a finishing frame for engaging the inner surface of the walland the inner end of the shell or casing whereby an appropriate pleasing eiect is obtained; and to provide a circular door for opening and closing the inner end of the 4o shell or casing. p

Other objects should be readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the annexed drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is an outer end side elevation of the louver forming a part of myimproved ventilator device. l Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the ventilator device approximately on the line 2-2 of Fig. l. Fig. 3 is an inner end elevation of the ventilator device.

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view approximately on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view approximately on the line 5v5 of Fig. 2.

upper portion of the inner end of the ventilator device more clearly illustrating features of the invention.

Fig."8 is a vertical cross-sectionalview of a portion of the device including the support for 10 the-fan motor approximately on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal sectional view of the ventilator device modified for embodiment in a relatively thin wall of wood or l5 other material.

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the support for the fan motor approximately on the line ill-l0 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 1l is a sectional view approximately on 20 the line II--ll of Fig. 3.

In one embodiment of the invention, the shell or casing comprises an outer secticn l telescoping on the outer end portion of an inner section '2. 'I'he shell or casing thus provided is rectan- 25 guiar in cross-section, as clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and the length of the section may be increased or reduced by relative telescoping adjustment of the sections l and 2. A louver de-- vice is attached to the outer end of the section I 30 i driven to the outside from within the'l room into which the ventilator device opens. The louver device substantially prevents rain and other substancesirom entering the shell or casing, and has along its lower margin a series of holes 5 40 through which any liquid may freely flow and be discharged from within the shell or casing. The inner end of the section 2 may be formed with an outwardly extended ange 'l engaging the inner surface of the wall 8 in which the 45 ventilator device is mounted. The section 2 telescopes somewhat loosely into the section l so that any slight indentations or irregularities in the Walls of either or both of said sections will not prevent the proper 'assembly 50 thereof. 4

A rectangular frame or shell 9 is fitted loosely against the inner surfaces cf the side and top walls of the section 2 and is supported by a number of springs Il) on the bottom wall of the sec- 55 ginal portion curved in accordance with the curvgral therewith two outwardly extended' walls 30 wise attachedl to-a laterally turned ilange I5 on the outer end of the tubular section II. The inner end of the tubular section I I is mounted in an annular portion I6 forming a part of and connected with a finishing frame I1 by an annular bead I8 forming an abutment for the inner end of the tube II. The outer portion -of the nishing frame I1 is formed with a rectangular bead I9 the margin of which is telescoped on the inner end of the shell 9 and attached thereto by welding or otherwise. The edge of the bead I9 forms an abutment engaging the marginal portion of a rectangular frame 29 mounted around the inner end of the section 2 and appropriately shaped so that the outer edge of the frame 20 presses against the inner surface of the wall 8. A number of connecting rods 2I have their outer ends projecting through slots 22 formed through the nnerend portions of arms 23 rigid with the section 2 and projecting from the corners toward the axis thereof. Nuts 24 are screwed on the threaded outer ends of the rods 2| against the arms 23, and the inner ends of said rods 2I extend through the frame I1 and have heads 25 seating in sockets 26 in connection with said frame I1. Thus, the structurev comprising the tubular section II, the wall I2 and the frame I1 is held in an assembled relationship' in which the edges of the frame I1 are rigid with the section 2 and engage the iinishing frame member 20 of the ventilator device.

Four retaining devices 21 are attached to the inner side of the tube I'I, each retaining device having its outer marginal portion rigidly attached to the tube II and having its inner marature of the tube II and spaced therefrom. A

support for the fan motor of the ventilator device has portions detachably engaging the retaining devices 21. As shown, said support may comprise a sectionl of sheet metal formed to pro-r vide a supporting wall 28 having each end integrally connected with. an outwardly extended wall 29 curving in ,accordance with the curvature of-the tube II and having their ends slidably engaged between the retaining' devices 21 and said tube II. The supporting wall 28 has intethe upper and lower ends of which engage` and fo m supports for the curved'laterally extended portions of the walls 29. Angular strengthening strips 3l are welded or otherwise attached toA the curved walls 29 and to the walls 30. The upper wall 29 is formed with a hole 32 and with a channel 33 (Figs. 6, '7, and 8) to receive andl support the electric wires cord (not shown) leading to the motor for supplying the necessary electrical energy. Similarly, the lower curved wall 29 is formed with a hole 34 and' with a channel 35 through which a flexible actuator for the usual switch (not shown) for opening and closing the electric circuit to the motor may extend.

As stated, the support comprising the wall 28 and attached parts has detachable sliding engagement with the retaining devices 21 so that said support may be easily placed in and reside connected by a hinge 5I with the frame part moved from the tube II.` Abutments 36 for the outer ends of the walls 29 are attached to the tube I I to stop the motor support in precisely the proper position when said motor support is slipped into the retaining devices 21.' 5

A pair of members 31 and 38, which are approximately U-shaped in cross-section (Fig. 10), are telescoped on the upper and lower portions of the walls 30 and are indented to form detents 39 to engage in indentations 4I) in the walls 39. The members 31 and 38 are spaced apart and the motor 4I extends and is supported between the adjacent ends of said members. The frame of the motor 4I -is attached to the support 28 by removable'and replaceable screw fasteners 42. The motor 4I drives a shaft .43 to which appropriate fan blades 44 are attached and which op- 'crate to drive the airv outwardly through the louver device 4.

An annular frame 45 is removably mounted 20 l in the outer endof the tube II seating against the flange I5 and being of greater diameter than the diameter of the opening I4, so that said frame cannot pass through said opening. The upper portion, of the frame 45 is received in a 25 space between the flange I5 and a holding bracket 48`so that the upper portion of the frame cannot tilt or incline away from the flange I5. A spring 41 (Fig. 9) is attached to the lower portion of the frame 45 and presses against the 30 inner surface of the lower portion of the tube II and yieldingly holds the lower portion of the 4 frame against the ange I5. A handleelement has its margin rigidly attached to the frame 45 in an appropriate manner, as by doubling the frame 45 upon itself and clamping the margins thereof upon the margin of the screen, as should be understood by reference to Fig. 7 of the drawings. This screen 49 prevents any substantial amounts of foreignsubstances, particularly solids, from entering the tube II from the outside, but does not seriously interfere with the effective operation of the fan to expel vitiated and other air from the room into which the ventilator device opens.

A 'circularinwardly dishedl door 50 has one 55 I1, and has a marginal portion 52 that seats against said frame part I1 when the door is closed. The door 58 is formed with an annular groove 53'in which a sealing ring`54 of felt or other appropriate elastic material is firmly secured and retained by the dovetail formation of the walls of the grooves 53 (Fig. '7). When the door 58 is closed, the projecting part of the sealing ring 54 engages and seats in an'v annular angular groove 55 formed by the union of the framev parts I6 and I1. Thus, the opening to the inner end of the tube kII is practicallyv hermetically sealed when the door 5I) is closed, thereby preventing dust and other foreign particles and substances from becoming deposited in the tube II. Even if such particles assemble and'loclge upon the cuter surface of the screen 49, they will, to a large extent, be blown out when the fan is operated. The. door 50 may be provided with a conventional latch device 56 for holding the 75 Vating connection (not shown).

sections telescoping one within` the other, a lou' door closed, andwith a knob 51 for manual engagement to open and close the door. The angular portions ofthe frame part I1 beyond the margin 52 of the door 50 may bepressed to form ornamental and strengthening beads 58. Also, the upper and lower portions of the door margin 52 may be formed with grooves 59 communicating with the grooves 33 and 35, respectively, for the passage of the wires cord'and switch oper- And a. clip 60 may be attached to the upper bead I9 to support and hold the wires cord in proper position so that it will not become displaced or moved laterally and interfere with the closing of the door.

The construction may be varied Within the scope of equivalent limits to adapt ther device for mounting in the wall of a frame or wood building, or for other purposes. As shown in Fig. 9, the rectangular shell or casing 6l is the analog of theshell or casing section I and eX- tends the full thickness of the wall 63 and beyond the outer surface of said wall. A frame 63 is mounted around the outwardly projecting end of the shell or casing 6I and seats against the' outer surface of the wall 62, and a louver member 64 is attached to the outer endV of the casing 6I and holds the frame 63 inv position. Louver formations 65 on the member 63 provide openings 66..

The casing section 61 is the analog of. the casing section'2 and has its top and side walls fitting loosely within the`casing 6| and the bottom wall-being supported b y springs 68. Rods 69 have their outer ends screwed into sockets 10 supported .by the louver member 64, and have their headed inner ends seated in the sockets 2 6 on the frame I1. The remaining elements and features of construction of the slightl modified device shown inv Fig. 9 are the same as those already described, and like reference numerals are applied thereto. The principal difference between the modification shown in Fig. 9 and the construction previously described is -in -the arrangement of the rods 69 which connect directly with the louvermember 64, the arms 23-being eliminated.

From the foregoing, ,it should be apparent that this invention attains all of its intended objects and purposes eciently and satisfactorily. The parts and the assembly thereof Y are free from objectionable complications and the device may be manufactured and assembled and mounted in a wall at permissible and satisfactory cost. The structure may be varied within the scope of equivalent limits in particulars other than those specifically suggested.

1. In a ventilator device adapted to form an opening through a walL-inner and outer casing sections telescoping one within the other, a

. louver device attached to the outer end of the outer section, a wallvelement within the inner section and spaced outwardly from the inner end thereof, an additional wallV element attached to the inner end of said inner section, a tubular member engaged and supported by said wall elements, a support mounted transversely in said tubular member, means engaging and holding said support in said tubular member and leaving said support free for removal and replacement, and a motor attached to said support and having a shaft extending outwardly toward said louver device.

2. In a ventilator device adapted to form an opening through a wall, inner and outer easing ver device attached to the outer end of the outer section, a wall element within the inner section and vspaced outwardly from the inner end thereof, an Aadditional wall relement attached tothe inner end of said inner section, a tubular member engaged and supported by said wall elements, a support mounted transversely in said tubular member, means engaging andholding said support in saidtubular member and leaving said support free for removal and replacement, a motor attached to said sup-r port and having a shaft extending outwardly toward said louver device, and connections between said inner section and one of said Wall elements holding said onev wall element and thereby said tubular member ship.

3. In a ventilator device of the character described, two rectangular casing sections telescoping one within the other for extending or shortening the length of the casing formed thereby as desired, a pair of wall elements supported within the inner end of one of said sections, a tubular member supported by said wall Within the inner end of the inner section, resilient means supporting said shell in said inner section, a Wall element attached to the ,end portion of said shell beyond the adjacent end of said inner section, an additional wall element mounted in said shelland spaced from said first named wall element, a tubular` member supported by said wall elements, arms projecting from said inner section, rods engaging said arms and one of said wall elements and holding said shell in said inner casing section, and means for supporting and operating a fan in said tubular member.

5. A ventilator device comprising a casing adapted to be supported in an opening inv a wall, a shell mounted in said casing, wall elements supported by said shell, a tubular member supported by said wall elements, means removably holding said wall elements and said tubular member in said casing, a ,support extending transversely across said tubular member, a motor attached to said support in said tubular member, a fan operated by said motor, a screen, and means supporting said screen in connection with said tubular member beyond said fan.

in rigid relationelements, arms rigid with one of said sections,

60 6. A ventilator device comprising a easing, a

` shell mounted in the inner end of said casing, a

from said shell, and being removable therewith, wall elements connecting said shell and said tubular member and closing the space between them ,and supporting the tubular member in -said shell, one of said wall elements having deshell removably mounted in the inner end of said casing, springs yieldingly supporting said shell in said casing, a tubular member within and spaced from said shell, and being removable therewith, wall elements connecting said shell and said tubular member and closing the space between them and supporting the tubular member in said shell, one of saidwall elements having detachable connection with said casing, blower mechanism mounted in said tubular member and withdrawable .therewith from said casing when said shell and said tubular member are withdrawn, arms within and rigid with said casing, and connections engaging said arms and holding said shell and said tubular member in said casing; and a door hinged`to that one of said wall elements that has detachable connection with said shell for opening and closing said tubular member.

. OSCAR F. MUELLER. 

